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Shift Health Hosts Webinar on Embedding Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) in Research-Intensive Organizations

November 10, 2020

Shift Health convened an urgent and candid dialogue on the importance of embedding inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) in research-intensive organizations in a 60-minute webinar with esteemed panelists who shared their expertise and unique lived experiences.

Embedding inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) in the culture, practices and priorities of research-intensive organizations has the potential to increase innovation, drive productivity and support the attraction and retention of top talent–but are we doing enough?

Shift Health brought together a panel of research leaders with unique lived experiences to address this question on October 22nd, through a 60-minute webinar titled “Embedding Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) in Research-Intensive Organizations.” 

During the webinar, panelists discussed the bold steps leaders need to take to embed IDEA Strategies into research-intensive organizations. They specifically highlighted some of the policies and practices that need to be implemented to improve performance, create a culture of care, and level fair scholarship and recruitment opportunities. In addition, they shared metrics that should be tracked to ensure organizations are achieving real and meaningful change. 

Thank you immensely to our panelists for taking the time to discuss such an important and timely topic:

  • Dr. Imogen R. Coe, Founding Dean and Professor, Faculty of Science, Ryerson University
  • Dr. Ivan Joseph, Vice-President, Student Affairs, Wilfrid Laurier University
  • Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement, University of Saskatchewan
  • Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai, Head of Research and Chief Accessibility Officer, Canadian National Institute for the Blind

Thank you also to our very own Dr. Anne Mullin and Dr. Ryan Wiley for facilitating the event. Finally, we would also like to recognize and share our appreciation for our ASL Interpreters who supported our live event: Tala Jalili and Rana Hamdy.

To ensure that this important conversation is available to all, including those who may have missed the event, in the coming weeks we will be sharing a report highlighting findings from this webinar, an accessible recording of the webinar as well as future workshops that further explore this important topic. Please check back here or follow us on our social media channels to receive the latest updates!